Mesothelioma Blog

In spite of the clear link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, the United States government has so far shied away from an all-out ban of asbestos due to the material’s extensive utility. Asbestos is regulated, but industry pressure has prevented the complete ban of the substance.

However, the enormous financial and human costs of asbestos-related mesothelioma are creating the energy needed to overcome the influence of industry. The United States House of Representatives has introduced HR 6903, also known as the Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2008, into committee. 

Introduced in September 15, 2008, the Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act will add language to the Toxic Substances Control Act that will prohibit the importation, manufacture, distribution or sale of any products containing asbestos.

If adopted, the use of asbestos in America will be sharply curtailed. Manufacturers will be able to obtain exemptions to the act’s provisions, but are required to prove that no other viable alternative for asbestos exists. Further provisions require the exemption to be subject to periodic review in order to maintain the exempt status.

Other aspects of the proposed legislation address materials which are often contaminated with asbestos, such as calcium carbonate or talc. Persons who manufacture, import, distribute or sell these products will be required to certify that the asbestos content of these products fall within accepted non-harmful levels.

The legislation will require include an expanded mesothelioma public awareness program, as well as additional protections for air and water quality. The Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act also allows for periodic reviews of asbestos levels in order to maintain adequate protection against the harmful effects of asbestos exposure. 

The bill is named after a Minnesota state representative, Bruce Vento. In his 24 years in Washington DC, Vento fought for a cleaner environment and the betterment of blue-collar working conditions. Mr. Vento was diagnosed with lung cancer early in 2000, and died in October.

Currently, the Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act is still under consideration by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Should the committee decide the provisions of the act are appropriate, it will move to the floor for a general House vote. 

Asbestos-containing materials will be a potential health hazard for as long as they remain in the environment. If passed, the Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act could be an important step toward protecting future generations from the nightmare of asbestos-related mesothelioma.